<p> Reaching American Muslims through Understanding and Engaging Them</p><p>Prepared by Dr. Mark Hausfeld Global Initiative: Reaching Muslims Peoples Assemblies of God World Missions</p><p>Presented to the Rocky Mountain District Council April 27, 2011</p><p>Definitions:</p><p> Islam  Muslim</p><p>5 Pillars of Islam</p><p> Shahadah  Zakat  Salat  Ramadan  Hajj</p><p>Islam Around the World</p><p> 1.5 Billion Muslims on the planet  25% of earth’s population  1 out of 4 persons is a Muslim  Growth primarily by birthrate  Growth by Immigration  Growth by Conversion  4-7 million Muslims in the United States  Why is God Bringing Muslims to America? (Act 17: 24-28)</p><p>Goals of the Muslim Community in the United States</p><p> To organize local Mosques  To train their children in Islamic Studies  To have greater media access  To be increasingly political involved  To develop and further da’wah to North America</p><p>Reasons Why Muslims Convert</p><p> Observing the lives of Christians  Were given a Bible in their first language  Signs, wonders and miracles  Understanding the love of God in the Bible  Discouraged with Islam</p><p>Theological Values Between Muslims and Christians</p><p> Holy Books  Prayer  Fasting  Angels  One God  Common Spiritual Heritage (Abraham)</p><p>Common Lifestyle Values Between Muslims and Christians</p><p> “Kindness is the first expression of love” (Mother Teresa)  Righteousness in gender relationships  “Do you know my name?”  Befriend  Pray for their needs  Share your testimony (within 30 minutes of meeting them)  Hospitality (Biblical but forgotten in Western culture)  Meals together  Religion in daily life  Morality  Family life cherished (husband-wife and child/children relationships)  Marriage-divorce and remarriage  How do race, color and ethnicity affect religion  Gender roles according to faiths</p><p>Guidelines for Effective Evangelism</p><p> Know your audience (Study Islam as a religion and how it is practiced)  Develop a friendship of trust within the bounds of your gender  Pray everyday for your Muslim friend  Share the gospel regularly in a none offensive manner  Show hospitality (invite into your home)  Meet their felt needs when you have opportunity  Encourage a response to the truth claims of the gospel  Don’t argue with them. It gains nothing.  Muslims coming to faith is a process more than a decision (takes time)  They may not be ready to embrace Jesus according to the Bible  Continue to be a friend  Keep praying for and loving them  Pray with them for signs, wonders and miracles in Jesus Name  Remember the 5 reasons Muslims convert</p><p>Our Muslim Neighbors: So Close Yet So Far…Remember:</p><p> Muslims are not excluded from God’s love  Muslims are not outside the borders of the Great Commission  Muslims are not our enemies  Muslims are NOT secure in their Islamic faith and community</p><p>Remember: (Thought reminder by Brother Andrew)</p><p>I S L A M</p><p>I Sincerely Love All Muslims</p>